Nitish condemns killing of 14 Hindi speaking people in Manipur

Patna, Mar 19 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today condemned the killing of 14 Hindi speaking people in Manipur and urged the Centre to intervene to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Mr Kumar told newspersons here that such attacks on Hindi speaking people in various parts of the nation was a disturbing trend and it could pose serious threats to ''unity and integrity'' of the country.

''India is a federal nation and every citizen has the fundamental right to earn the livelihood in any part of country without being discriminated,'' he said adding the government should ensure the protection of the rights of the people.

Expressing concern over the insensitivity of the Centre on the issue, Mr Kumar said the union government could not shirk its responsibility on pretext of ''law and order'' being placed in state list. The Centre should not feel hesitant in intervening to prevent the the incidents,affecting unity and integrity of the country.

Security arrangements should be made to ensure safety of life and properties of Hindi speaking people in Manipur and other parts of the country, witnessing such incidents, he added.

UNI KKS/BA MSJ HT2315